







 



<rss version="2.0" xmlns:beenthere="http://ivebeenthere.co.uk/beenthere-rss">
    <channel>
        
                
        <title>Been there | Tips</title>
        
        <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/</link>
        
        <description>
            Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love,
            live in or have just visited - are what make this guide.
        </description>
        
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Go out for "Tapeo" session</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34460</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[In Granada, when you order a drink in bars it comes accompanied with a free little (or not so little) dish of typical food. Normally, the food could be meat in sauce, squid, little fish, sandwiches, potato omelette, etc.<br>The Granada people go out for "Tapeo" and only asking for two drinks they can have dinner.<br>We recommend it because is a typical custom in Granada and it is very important to live this custom to understand the kind of life of there. And it is a very cheap way to have dinner.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34460</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>La Bodeguilla del Lado</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34336</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This wine and tapas bar is absolutely fantasic! The owner is generous and interested in pleasing anyone who shares her love of food and wine. She plays flamenco from her record collection, serves up yummy tapas, some of which she makes herself, and has a small but excellent range of Spanish wines that she thoughtfully combines with whatever tapas you want. I left myself entirely in her hands and had two blissful wine/food experiences. The atmosphere is also memorable with tasteful decorations and thoughtful touches like linen table cloths that she puts out on the bar before you begin. If I could make this my regular wine bar I'd be in heaven!]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34336</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>The train journey between Madrid and Granada</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33706</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[A slow train south from Madrid to the Andalucian city of Granada was the first leg of the first holiday my now wife and I took, just weeks after we first met.<br>The air-conditioned carriage trundled for hours across the baked earth of Castile as we ate tinned olives and shared icy bottles of Heineken.<br>Spain stretched out before us with the occasional puff of cloud emerging over the horizon. On arrival in the evening, the southern heat was still overwhelming. Our supper was a large plate of sliced tomatoes, garlic and olive oil with a chunk of crusty white bread. Sleepy after the journey, we held hands as we walked through jasmine scented streets in the dark.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33706</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Raro de luna</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33187</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This very beautifully decorated wine bar is in the Realejo part of Granada (the old Jewish quarter), very close to Melia hotel. What a great place to have tapas and a huge selection of Spanish red and white wines and cider. Carlos, the owner, knows his stuff and will be very happy to talk you through each of his selected wines and point you in the right direction should you want to take some home with you. We will be back.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33187</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Mirador de San Nicolas</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32368</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Large rectangular area within the Albaicin area from where you have a wonderful view of the Alhambra on the other side of the gorge. The view is even more stunning at night.<br>Just be careful as pickpockets are known to operate in the area.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32368</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Los Diamantes tapas bar</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32367</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Tiny tapas bar that is extremely popular. As soon as the door opens the place fills up.<br>As with a few other tapas bars in Granada, you get a free tapa with every drink. Don't ask me how they remember but for every drink you buy, you get a different and better tapa each time. <br>Emphasis is on seafood and the menu is very reasonably priced.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32367</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Bodegas Castaneda</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32366</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[A traditional unpretentious stand up bar which can get jammed when busy and is popular with locals and tourists alike. Always a good sign to see the locals in a bar/restaurant.<br>You get a free tapa with every drink. Additionally if you do want to buy off the menu, there is a great choice. It is a great way to try different dishes by selecting tapas.<br>Only downside is the lack of seats.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32366</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Capilla Real (Royal Chapel)</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32365</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Worth going in to this late Gothic chapel to see the final resting place of the two famous Spanish Catholic monarchs Isabel and Fernando.<br>The two monarchs lie in the crypt in simple lead coffins along with a few other related royals.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32365</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Hotel Carmen</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32357</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This three-star hotel is located right in the heart of Granada. As well as its location, the  great feature of the hotel is the roof top terrace. In the day you can sunbathe on the roof with a great view of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada. At night the roof top terrace becomes a bar/ restaurant. Even if you are not staying in the hotel, its worth popping up on the roof at night for a drink and the view.<br>We booked via a well known hotel website and got rooms for £40 per night.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32357</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning by Laurie Lee</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32243</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This book beautifully captures the sensuous beauty of 1930s Spain. Long before the days of inter-railing, the 19-year-old Laurie Lee walks from Vigo to Granada, knowing only one Spanish phrase. His rite of passage brings to life the "stutter of cicadas" in Valladolid, "disease ridden Cadiz" and the gypsy flamenco dancers of Seville. Through the freshness of a young man's eyes, the book portrays the steamy heat and vitality of a country on the brink of civil war. As a good travel book should - it makes me want to go there!]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32243</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Taberna Macande</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31106</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[It's a lovely bar/cafe where they make you feel welcome the minute you walk in. The food is a mixture of Spanish, Middle Eastern and other international varieties. The tapas are free and abundant, as long as you order the lovely beers. We had generous portions of meatballs with ours. Very tasty. What struck me about this place is that it's a great place for vegetarians. I'm not a veggie but I ate vegetarian food there, which is tricky to find at the best of times in Spain. The falafel wraps were delicious and you could really taste the flavours in the food. Absolutely lovely! The waiting staff were really welcoming and we ate there three times during a week-long stay in Granada.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31106</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Escaleras San Cristobal</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31093</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[You arrive at the top entrance to the stairway, somewhat unassuming save for an epic view over the south of the city. Descending the first flight of steps you spot a chameleon clinging to the wall in black paint; 'cool' you think as you turn back towards a very personal greeting extended into the space you stand. Wandering around the corner your descent into wonder begins. Colours erupt, an octopus woman lazes down a full flight while a Ghibli-esque character skirts across a checkers board. Whales spurt, hearts bulge, monkeys play, and a pregnant Africa embraces the world. Cunningham inspired vistas are played off against the smiles and eyes of the Cheshire cat. In the sky the crescent moon plays slowly over the still fantasy below. You realise standing here, at the bottom of a staircase in this small city in southern Spain, you are witness to something very special.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31093</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Alqueria de Morayma</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31089</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[In Las Alpujarras is a traditional group of homesteads and farm buildings which have been beautifully transformed into an hotel/apartment complex, enjoying fantastic views of the Sierra Nevada National Park. We (wife, son and I ) stayed there in 2009 and enjoyed this peaceful, idyllic location including it's inexpensive fine menu and wines. It has it's own vineyard, stables, hermitage and swimming pool to enjoy. Heaven!]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31089</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Bono Turístico - Tourist Pass</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29536</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[If you are finding it impossible to get a ticket to the Alhambra, a final resort could always be to purchase a bono (pass). For €25 or €30 it combines entry into the Cathedral among other places, and provides a number of journeys on local buses (you may be grateful, the city is quite hilly, although the ride often feels more like a rollercoaster!!)]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29536</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Perfect Breakfast: Churros con chocolate</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28927</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This is THE treat. Try some churros con chocolate (or coffee or orange juice for a lighter version) and enjoy the way locals have been treating themselves for centuries. I particularly recommend the coffee house Alhambra in Plaza Bib-rambla, right in town, near the cathedral. Awsome. I was a local myself.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28927</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Escuela Montalban</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28746</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Hola amigos:<br>I have now completed a three-month internship at the "Escuela Montalbán” language school in Granada and I loved it.<br>All the qualified teachers and the staff are very friendly and helpful. I have learned a lot of Spanish and other useful things during my internship time. In this school you have the possibility to learn Spanish very fast and well in a fantastic atmosphere. The school is in the typical Andalusian style and has a lovely courtyard. Every week, they also offer to all students a great cultural program, which contains a lot of different and interesting activities and courses for the participants.<br>On the various streets monuments, buildings etc. you can still see the former Muslim history of Andalusia and also the artistic churches and cathedrals, which are very impressive.<br>Don't miss the opportunity to visit the gorgeous palace Alhambra, Sierra Nevada which is the highest mountain of Spain and where you can ride horses and the incredible view of Sacromonte with its caves. Granada has many faces!<br>In Granada, there is something for everyone: culture, history, art, music, food, nightlife etc.<br>I had a great time here and this was an unforgettable experience for me. I can just recommend you to visit Granada and discover it for yourself.<br>Muchos saludos.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28746</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Escuela Montalban, School of Spanish</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28030</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Hola Companeros! I've just come back from Granada and I would like to share my study experience which I was given in Montalban school. Without hesitation I can recommend  courses which take place there. The level of teaching I find high but appropriate for everyone's language skills, classes are interesting and varied. Caring staff, teachers well-prepared to teach Spanish as a foreign language and hospitality made my stay in Spain unforgettable! The school is centrally located, cosy and well-equipped. What's more the city is incredibly beautiful with a lively atmosphere and a lot of splendid monuments worth seeing (Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, Albaicin). The town is surrounded by Sierra Nevada mountains so it also offers a full range of climbing and trekking activities. Granada is 30 minutes by car from the beach, so it's possible to combine hiking and sunbathing the same weekend.<br><br>Saludos de Polonia!<br><br>Sylwia]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28030</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Hotel Saray</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26353</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This hotel has excellent and very helpful staff, is spotlessly clean, serves a lovely breakfast, is close to all major attractions and the town centre,  and offers free Wi-Fi. A very pleasant place to stay while in Granada.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26353</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Vamos Cycling in Las Alpujarras</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25189</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Vamos Cycling is run by a wonderful British couple and is based in the stunning Alpujarras mountains on the edge of the Sierra Nevada. You stay in their beautifully converted home in the small and enchanting town of Cadiar in the heart of the Alpujarras. Gary (a fanatical cyclist) takes you out on guided rides up some impressive climbs and his wife Sarah cooks up a storm back at base. I went as a beginner and loved every minute but plenty to challenge road cyclists of all levels - La Vuelta passes through here. Awesome climbs, amazing food and if you fancy a day out of the saddle then Granada and the unmissable Alhambra are an easy day trip away.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25189</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Hannigan and Sons Irish Pub</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24003</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[While traveling through Granada this summer and searching for a site with air conditioning to escape the 45 degree heat, I found Hannigan and Sons Irish Pub.  It's a classic Irish pub, has free WiFi, sport, etc. A good mix of giris (foreigners) and local Spanish people. Calm during the day (laptop time) and lively after 10PMish, I found it was a good place to meet people while traveling and while enjoying a pint of Guinness.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24003</guid>
            </item>
        
    </channel> 
</rss>

